Vehicular rack having modular design with outside handle and quick release

ABSTRACT

A hitch-mount bicycle carrier including a stinger, a support member coupled to the stinger by a variably configurable hub, a foot having a distal end disposed distally from the support member, and a manual actuator disposed at a distal end of the support member. The stinger is configured to be inserted into a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The support member is configured to be disposed in a plurality of orientations relative to the stinger. The support member supports one or more bicycles. The manual actuator includes a trigger coupled to the variably configurable hub to dispose the support member in the plurality of orientations. A portion of the foot is disposed below the trigger when the support member is in a bicycle carrying position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/497,481, filed Oct. 8, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/534,687, filed Aug. 7, 2019, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/845,640, filed Sep. 4,2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/048,257, filed Sep. 9, 2014. Each of these applications is herebyincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a hitch-mount bicyclecarrier. More specifically, embodiments within this disclosure relate toa mechanism configured to secure a support bar to a load bar; and insome instances, the mechanism is configured to allow translationalmovement of the support bar relative to the load bar.

BACKGROUND

Safely and conveniently transporting sports equipment is a concern formany sports enthusiasts. For example, canoes, kayaks, and bicycles canbe carried on a vehicle by being attached to one or more load bars.Typically, the load bars are oriented essentially horizontally andcrosswise to the direction of travel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present application will now be described, by wayof example only, with reference to the attached figures.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a bicyclesupport arrangement having bicycle support bars in a two bicycle carrierarrangement.

FIG. 2 is a side, plan view of the bicycle support arrangement of FIG. 1in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side, plan view of another example embodiment of a bicyclesupport arrangement having bicycle support bars in a four bicyclecarrier arrangement in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a side, plan view of the bicycle support arrangement of FIG. 3in a loading configuration.

FIG. 5 is a side, plan view of the bicycle support arrangement of FIG. 3in an undeployed configuration.

FIG. 6 is elevational view of an underside of the bicycle support barhaving a resiliently biased stop.

FIG. 7 is an elevational, lateral cross-sectional view of a frame memberand the bicycle support bar.

FIG. 8 is a plan, cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a frame member having aresiliently biased stop in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 10 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a frame member having aresiliently biased stop in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 11 is an elevational, longitudinal cross-section view of the framemember and the bicycle support bar.

FIG. 12 is a plan, cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a bicycle support bar coupled to a framemember.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a frame member showing a levelingdevice without a bicycle support bar installed thereon.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the leveling device of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is the leveling device of FIG. 14 viewed from a different angle.

FIG. 17 is an isometric, cutaway view of a variably configurable hub anda partially disassembled frame member.

FIG. 18 is an elevational, cutaway view of a variably configurable hubhaving a transparent portion of a setting device and pin carriage.

FIG. 19 is a side, plan cutaway view of the variably configurable hub ofFIG. 18 .

FIG. 20 is an elevational cutaway view of the variably configurable hubof FIG. 18 .

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a variably configurable hub coupled to amanual actuator.

FIG. 22 is a top, plan cutaway view of the assembly of FIG. 21 .

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate isometric views of a linkage between a forwardconnection block and a rearward connection block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However,it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theimplementations described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have notbeen described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevantfunction being described. The description is not to be considered aslimiting the scope of the implementations described herein. Descriptionsand characteristics of embodiments within this disclosure not mutuallyexclusive.

Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now bepresented. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directlyor indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarilylimited to physical connections. The connection can be such that theobjects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The term“outside” refers to a region that is beyond the outermost confines of aphysical object. The term “inside” indicates that at least a portion ofa region is partially contained within a boundary formed by the object.The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to theparticular dimension, shape or other thing that “substantially”modifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example,substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder,but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The terms“comprising,” “including” and “having” are used interchangeably in thisdisclosure. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” mean toinclude, but not necessarily be limited to the things so described.

The present technology can be implemented as a vehicular rack supportarrangement. For example, the vehicular rack support arrangement can beincluded as part of a bike mounting mechanism or other support equipmentload carrier.

The present technology can include one or more of the features describedherein. While some features are described in relation to a particularfigure, the features can be implemented with other embodiments.

At least one example within the present technology is a bicycle supportarrangement which can be configured to be coupled to a carrying vehicle.The bicycle support arrangement can include a bicycle support barconfigured to be coupled to a rearwardly extending frame member of avehicular mounted bicycle carrier. The bicycle support bar can includean elongate fastenable zone configured to be coupled at least onelocation along the elongate fastenable zone to the frame member. Thebicycle support arrangement can further include a resiliently biasedstop. The resiliently biased stop can be coupled to the bicycle supportbar and transitionable between a deployed configuration and a retractedconfiguration. The resiliently biased stop can include an abutmentportion located at an end boundary of the elongate fastenable zone ofthe bicycle support bar. The abutment portion can be configured toimpede movement, in at least one direction, of the bicycle support barrelative to the rearwardly extending frame member of the vehicularmounted bicycle carrier in the deployed configuration of the resilientlybiased stop.

In at least one example, the resiliently biased stop can also include aresilient intermediate portion coupled between the abutment portion andan anchored portion fixed relative to the bicycle support bar. Inanother example, the resilient intermediate portion of the resilientlybiased stop is an elongate flexible extension extending between theabutment portion and the anchored portion of the resiliently biasedstop. In another example, the resilient intermediate portion of theresiliently biased stop is a flexible band. In another example, theflexible band can include the resilient intermediate portion and theanchored portion of the resiliently biased stop. In yet another example,the flexible band can be a metal strip and the abutment portion of theresiliently biased stop can be comprised of a portion of the metal stripobliquely bent relative to a portion of the metal strip including theresilient intermediate portion of the resiliently biased stop.

In at least one example, the bicycle support bar can include a recesswithin which the resiliently biased stop can be anchored to the bicyclesupport bar.

In at least one example, the bicycle support bar can include a recesswithin which the resiliently biased stop can be located in the retractedconfiguration of the resiliently biased stop. In another example, thebicycle support bar can include a recess within which a majority of theresiliently biased stop can be located in the retracted configuration ofthe resiliently biased stop. In yet another example, a majority of theabutment portion of the resiliently biased stop can be located outsidethe recess in the deployed configuration of the resiliently biased stop.

In at least one example, the recess into the bicycle support bar formsan elongate track extending longitudinally along at least a portion ofthe bicycle support bar. In another example, the elongate track can beopen ended and comprise a slot-opening into the track at an exterior ofthe bicycle support bar. In yet another example, the elongate track canbe recessed into an underside of the bicycle support bar in an installedconfiguration of the bicycle support bar coupled to the rearwardlyextending frame member of the vehicular mounted bicycle carrier.

In at least one example, an interior space of the elongate track can beat least partially cross-sectionally T-shaped.

In at least one example, a support bar leveling device can have aprojection at least partially trapped within the elongate track of thebicycle support bar. In another example, the support bar leveling devicecan have a cross-sectionally T-shaped projection received within theelongate track of the bicycle support bar to facilitate translationalmotion of the support bar relative to the leveling device and resistingdetachment of the bicycle support bar away from the leveling device.

In at least one example, the rearwardly extending frame member of avehicular mounted bicycle carrier, upon which the support bar levelingdevice is fixed, can have a longitudinal axis oriented substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bicycle support bar.

In at least one example, the resiliently biased stop is one of a pair ofresiliently biased stops. Each of the resiliently biased stops can havean abutment portion and the two abutment portions are, one each, locatedat opposite end boundaries of the elongate fastenable zone. The elongatefastenable zone can therefore be delimited to between the two abutmentportions. In yet another example, the bicycle support bar can be coupledto the frame member at a plurality of locations along the elongatefastenable zone. In yet another example, the bicycle support bar can becoupled to the frame member at any location along the elongatefastenable zone. The elongate fastenable zone can extend greater thanfour inches and less than twenty inches between the two abutmentportions of the pair of resiliently biased stops.

In at least one example, a fastener can be configured to fix a relativeposition of the bicycle support bar relative to the frame member. Thefastener can be a threaded bolt extending through the frame member andabutting the bicycle support bar.

In at least one example, the bicycle support arrangement can include atleast one of a bicycle wheel securement and a bicycle frame securementcoupled to the bicycle support bar for mounting a bicycle to the bicyclesupport bar in a substantially upright orientation.

At least one example within the present technology is a bicycle carrierwhich is convertible between a first configuration, in which one or morebicycles are accommodated, and a second extended configuration, in whichone or more additional bicycles are accommodated for transport on acarrying vehicle. The bicycle carrier can include a vehicle engagingframe (such as, for example, a stinger element) configured to be mountedon a carrying vehicle, such as by insertion of the stinger within ahitch mount receiver attached to the vehicle. The bicycle carrier canalso include an elongate rearward extending support member which iscoupled to the frame at a proximate end of the support member by avariably configurable hub. The variably configurable hub can be capableof setting the support member in a plurality of orientations relative tothe frame, in which the support member can accommodate one or morebicycles coupled to the bicycle carrier for transportation by thecarrying vehicle. The bicycle carrier can additionally include a manualactuator which is operably coupled to the variably configurable hub by alinkage. The actuator can be actuable to enable the support member to beplaced in various configurations. A distal end of the support member canbe positioned away from the frame and configured to be alternatelycoupled to the actuator and to an add-on support member thataccommodates one or more additional bicycles coupled to the bicyclecarrier. In at least one example, a distal end of the linkage can beconfigured to be alternately coupled to the actuator and to a linkageextension of the add-on support member when the add-on support member isincluded in the bicycle carrier. Thus bicycle carrier can easily beadapted to carry additional bicycles.

At least one example within the technology is a cargo carrier fortransporting one or more articles on a carrying vehicle. The loadcarrier can include a vehicle engaging frame. The engaging frame can beconfigured to be mounted on a carrying vehicle. The cargo carrier canalso include an elongate rearward extending support member which iscoupled to the frame at a proximate end of the support member by avariably configurable hub capable of setting the support member in aplurality of orientations relative to the frame. At least one setting ofthe hub can establish a cargo carrying in which a longitudinal axis ofthe support member is inclined at an angle of at least three degreesabove horizontal. At least one additional setting of the of the hub canestablish a cargo loading configuration, in which the longitudinal axisof the support member is declined at an angle of at least fifteendegrees below horizontal. It will be understood that other settings andrelative angles are possible and fall within this disclosure.

In at least one example, a cargo carrier can comprise a squaringarrangement for leveling a cargo load mounted on the cargo carrier inthe cargo carrying configuration. The squaring arrangement can include aleveling device which is coupled between the elongate rearward extendingsupport member and a load support member. In the cargo carryingconfiguration the leveling device can have an inclined surface at leastpartially abuttingly engaging the inclined support member, and asubstantially horizontal oriented surface at least partially abuttinglyengaging the load support member, which thereby substantiallyhorizontally orients the load support member.

At least one example within the technology is a hitch-mount bicyclecarrier which is convertible between a first configuration in which oneor more bicycles are accommodated, and a second configuration, in whichone or more additional bicycles are accommodated for transport on acarrying vehicle. The hitch-mount bicycle carrier can include a stingerconfigured to be insertably received in a hitch receiver mounted on acarrying vehicle. The carrier can have an installed orientation which isestablished when the stinger is secured in the hitch receiver, therebyorienting the stinger in a substantially horizontal orientation. Thecarrier can further include an elongate rearward extending supportmember coupled to the stinger at a proximate end of the support memberby a variably configurable hub capable of setting the support member ina plurality of orientations relative to the stinger, in which thesupport member accommodates a first set of bicycle's being coupledthereto. The carrier can also include a manual actuator which isoperably coupled to the variably configurable hub by a linkage that isat least partially housed within the support member. A distal end of thesupport member can be positioned away from the stinger and can beconfigured to be alternately coupled to the actuator as well as anadd-on support member that accommodates a second set of bicycle's beingcoupled thereto. Thus the number of bicycles which can be transportedcan be varied depending on the needs of the user.

At least one example within the technology is a leveling arrangement forpositioning a bicycle mounted on a bicycle carrier in a substantiallyvertical orientation when in a bicycle carrying configuration. Aleveling arrangement can include a leveling device in a bicycle carryingconfiguration which has an inclined surface configured to at leastpartially abuttingly engage an inclined support member of the bicyclecarrier. The leveling device can have a substantially horizontaloriented surface configured to receive a bicycle support and configuredto position the bicycle support in a substantially horizontalorientation so that a bicycle mounted to the bicycle support issubstantially vertically oriented. The substantially verticalorientation of can thus establish a bicycle carrying configuration ofthe carrier.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a bicycle supportarrangement 100 having a set bicycle support bars 110. The bicyclesupport arrangement 100 can include a bicycle support bar 110 coupled toa rearwardly extending frame member 120 of a hitch-mount bicycle rack200. The hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 can detachably couple to a carriervehicle 218 via a stinger 208 which is receivable within a hitchreceiver 216 of a carrying vehicle 218. The rearwardly extending framemember 120 can be coupled to a variably configurable hub 222 at aproximal end 122 and can include a manual actuator 224 coupled at adistal end 124 of the rearwardly extending frame member 120.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 in a bicyclecarrying configuration 264 in which a bicycle 150 can rest on a supportbar 110 in a substantially vertical, upright orientation.

In at least one example, rearwardly extending frame member 120 ismodular, such that the manual actuator 224 can be decoupled from thedistal end 124 of the rearwardly extending frame member 120 and anadd-on frame member 126 can be coupled to the distal end 124 ofrearwardly extending frame member 120. The manual actuator 224 can thenbe coupled to a distal end 128 of the add-on frame member 126. Theadd-on frame member 126 can allow the bicycle support arrangement 100 tohold a plurality of sets of bicycles. The manual actuator 224 caninclude a foot 400. The foot 400 can be configured to contact the ground(or other surface) while allowing the manual actuator 224 enoughclearance to be operably utilized. In at least one example, the foot 400is configured to allow an operator to comfortably fit a hand around themanual actuator 224 without the operator's hand touching the ground.

The bicycle carrier support arrangement 100 can include at least one ofa bicycle wheel securement 152 and a bicycle frame securement 154coupled to the bicycle support bar 110.

In at least one example, the bicycle wheel securement 152 can be abicycle wheel tray. The bicycle wheel tray can optionally include asecurement strap. In at least one example, the securement strap can besecured into a ratcheting mechanism. In another example, the bicyclewheel securement 152 can be an adjustable rotatable arm configured tosecure the wheel. In at least one example, the rotatable arm can have asubstantially U-shaped distal end configured to fit over the bicyclewheel and configured to secure the bicycle wheel. In at least oneexample, the bicycle frame securement 154 can be an adjustable rotatablearm having a substantially U-shaped distal end and configured to securethe frame.

FIG. 2 illustrates the bicycle support arrangement can be in one setting260 having a frame member 120 with an angle of inclination 268. Thebicycle support bar 110 can be orientated in a substantially leveledorientation of support 302 compensating for the angle of inclination268.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 in a secondconfiguration 206. The hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 is in bicyclecarrying configuration 264, as in FIGS. 1 and 2 , however, an add-onframe 126 is connected to the rearwardly extending frame member 120. Asillustrated, add-on frame 126 can support additional bicycle supports110, thus enabling a carrying vehicle (not shown) to transportadditional bicycles. The manual actuator 224 is connected to the distalend 128 of the add-on frame 126. In the bicycle carrying configuration264, variably configurable hub 222 establishes the rearwardly facingframe member 120 at an angle of inclination 268 relative to thehorizontal 270.

FIG. 4 illustrates a hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 in a bicycle loadingconfiguration 262. The bicycle loading configuration 262 can beassociated with the variably configurable hub in a second setting 261.As in FIG. 3 , the hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 is in the secondconfiguration 206 having an add-on frame 126 connected to the rearwardlyextending frame member 120. In the bicycle loading configuration 262,variably configurable hub 222 establishes the rearwardly facing framemember 120 at an angle of declination 272 relative to the horizontal270.

FIG. 5 illustrates a hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 in an emptyconfiguration 258. As in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hitch-mount bicycle rack200 is in the second configuration 206 having an add-on frame 126connected to at the distal end 128 of the rearwardly extending framemember 120. In the empty configuration 258, the rearwardly extendingframe member 120 is upstanding relative to the stinger 208. The framemember 120 is substantially perpendicular to the stinger 208 forming asubstantially right angle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a resiliently biased stop 130 coupled to a bicyclesupport bar 110. The resiliently biased stop 130 can have an abutmentportion 132 configured to be an end boundary of an elongate fastenablezone. The resiliently biased clip can also have an anchored portion 136.The anchored portion 136 can secure the resiliently biased stop 130 tothe bicycle support bar 110. As may be appreciated in FIG. 6 , theanchored portion 136 can be secured by a screw. In another example, theanchored portion 136 can be secured by a nail, push fastener, bolt, orany known securing mechanism. The resiliently biased stop 130 canfurther include an intermediate portion 134 coupled between the abutmentportion 132 and the anchored portion 136. The intermediate portion canbe an elongate extension extending between the abutment portion 132 andthe anchored portion 136. In at least one example, the intermediateportion can be configured to allow the resiliently biased stop 130 totransition between a retracted configuration and an extendedconfiguration.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are lateral cross-sectional views of the rearwardlyextending frame member 120 and the bicycle support bar 110. The bicyclesupport bar 110 can include an elongate fastenable zone 112 configuredto be coupled at least one location along the elongate fastenable zone112 to the frame member 120. The elongate fastenable zone 112 can be aportion of the bicycle support bar 110 configured to be coupled to therearwardly extending frame member 120. The elongate fastenable zone 112can extend greater than four inches and less than twenty inches. In atleast one example, the elongate fastenable zone can be six inches.

The bicycle support bar 110 can include a resiliently biased stop 130.The resiliently biased stop 130 can be transitionable between a deployedconfiguration and a retracted configuration. The resiliently biased stop130 can have an abutment portion 132 configured to impeded movement, inat least one direction, of the bicycle support bar 110. The abutmentportion can be located at an end boundary of the elongate fastenablezone 112.

In the retracted configuration the bicycle support bar 110 having theresiliently biased stop 130 can be slidably installed on the rearwardlyfacing frame member 120. The resiliently biased stop 130 can then betransitioned to the deployed configuration, thus forming the endboundary of the elongate fastenable zone 112.

As may be appreciated in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the bicycle support arrangement100 can include a pair resiliently biased stops 130. The pair ofresiliently biased stops 130 can each have an abutment portion 132. Thepair of abutment portions 132 can be, one each, located at opposite endboundaries of the elongate fastenable zone 112 thereby delimiting theelongate fastenable zone 112 between the two abutment portions 132.

In an alternative example, the bicycle support arrangement 100 caninclude a single resiliently biased stop 130. In this arrangement, thesupport bar 110 can include a stopping mechanism configured to bound theopposite end boundary of the elongate fastenable zone.

The resiliently biased stop 130 can further include a resilientintermediate portion 134 coupled between the abutment portion 132 and ananchored portion 136. The anchored portion 136 can fix the resilientlybiased stop 130 relative to the bicycle support bar 110. The anchor canbe any securement mechanism including, but not limited to, a screw,nail, push type fastener, or any other fastener capable of anchoring theanchored portion 136 of the resiliently biased stop 130 to the bicyclesupport bar 110. In at least one example, the anchor can be a screw.

The resilient intermediate portion 134 of the resiliently biased stop130 can be an elongate flexible extension extending between the abutmentportion 132 and the anchored portion 136. The resilient intermediateportion 134 can be a flexible band 138. Alternatively, the flexible band138 can include the resilient intermediate portion 134 and the anchoredportion 136. In at least one example, the flexible band 138 can be ametal strip and the abutment portion 132 of the resiliently biased stop130 can be a portion of the metal strip obliquely bent relative to aportion of the metal strip comprising intermediate portion 134 of theresiliently biased stop 130.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bicycle support bar 110 being installed/uninstalledupon a bicycle support arrangement and having a resiliently biased stop130 in a retracted configuration. The resiliently biased stop 130 can beconfigured impede motion in at least one direction. In at least oneexample, during motion in the opposite direction the resiliently biasedstop 130 can be configured to retract at least partially within thebicycle support bar 110. The retraction of the resiliently biased stop130 can allow for the bicycle support bar to be installed onto oruninstalled from the rearwardly extending frame member 120. Duringinstallation, the resiliently biased stop 130 retracts into a recess ofthe bicycle support bar 110. As may be appreciated in FIG. 9 , theretraction of the resiliently biased stop 130 allows the resilientlybiased stop 130 to pass over a projection 170 when the bicycle supportbar 110 being installed upon a bicycle support arrangement.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bicycle support bar 110 in an installedconfiguration upon a bicycle support arrangement and having aresiliently biased stop 130 in a deployed configuration. The resilientlybiased stop 130 can have an abutment portion 132 configured to impedemovement in at least one direction. The abutment portion 132 can beconfigured to contact a projection 117 thereby impeding movement of thebicycle support 110 relative to the rearwardly extending frame member120. As may be appreciated in FIG. 10 , as the bicycle support bartravels in the direction indicated, the abutment portion 132 of theresiliently biased stop 130 contacts the projection 117 thereby impedingmovement of the bicycle support bar 110.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate longitudinal cross-section views of the framemember 120 having a bicycle support bar 110 installed thereon. Thebicycle support bar 110 can further include a recess 114. The recess 114can be in an underside 111 of the bicycle support bar. The resilientlybiased stop 130 can be anchored to the bicycle support bar within therecess 114.

In at least one example, the resiliently biased stop 130 can be withinthe recess 114 when in the retracted configuration. Alternatively, amajority of the resiliently biased stop 130 can be within the recesswhen in the retracted configuration (see FIG. 10 ). In at least oneexample, a majority of the abutment portion 132 of the resilientlybiased stop 130 can be located outside the recess 114 in the deployedconfiguration.

The recess 114 of the bicycle support bar 110 can form an elongate track116 extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the bicyclesupport bar. The elongate track 116 can include at least one lip 113configured to secure the projection at least partially within theelongate track. As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the elongate track 116 canextend the length of the bicycle support bar 110 and have a pair ofresiliently biased stops 130 to bound the elongate fastenable zone 112.

The elongate track 116 can alternatively extend along only a portion ofthe track. The end of the track can be configured to serve as a stoppingmechanism and impede movement of the bicycle support bar 110 relative tothe rearwardly extending frame member 120. In at least one example, theelongate fastenable zone 112 can be bounded by the resiliently biasedstop 130 and the end of the track.

The elongate track 116 can take many forms. In at least one example, theelongate track 116 can have a substantially T-shaped cross-section. Inanother example, the elongate track 116 can have a substantiallyrectangular shaped cross-section.

The elongate track 116 can be open ended and include a slot-opening 118into the elongate track 116 at an exterior of the bicycle support bar.In at least one example, the slot opening 118 can be at either end ofthe bicycle support bar. In another example, the bicycle support bar 110can have a pair of slot-openings 118 at opposite ends of the bicyclesupport bar 110. In yet another example, the slot opening 118 can be onthe side of the bicycle support bar 110.

The bicycle support arrangement can further include a leveling device115. The leveling device 115 can be configured to receive the bicyclesupport bar 110 when the bicycle support bar 110 is installed on therearwardly extending frame member 120. The leveling device 115 can bepositioned between the rearwardly extending frame member 120 and thebicycle support bar 110. The leveling device 115 can be configured tohave a non-uniform thickness across the width of the bicycle supportbar. The non-uniform thickness of the leveling device 115 can beconfigured to reduce the angle of the bicycle support bar 110 caused bythe inclination of the rearwardly extending frame member 120 when in abicycle carrying configuration. The non-uniform thickness of theleveling device 115 is configured to allow bicycles to remainsubstantially vertical in the inclined bicycle carrying configuration.In at least one example, the leveling device 115 can have substantiallyU-shaped upper surface configured to cradle bicycle support bar 110. Inan alternative example, the leveling device 115 can have a substantiallyflat upper surface configured to receive bicycle support bar 110.

The leveling device 115 can include and operably communicate with aprojection 117 at least partially trapped within the elongate track 116of the bicycle support bar 110. The projection 117 can be configured tobe trapped within the elongate track 116 of the bicycle support bar 110.In at least one example, the projection 117 can be inserted through theslot-opening 118 and positioned in the elongate fastenable zone 112. Inat least one example, the leveling device can include an elongate T-nut328. As may be appreciated in FIG. 12 , the cross-section 326 ofprojection 117 can be T-shaped. The elongate T-nut can be configured tosecure the leveling device to the bicycle support bar 110. Thecross-section 320 of the leveling device 115 illustrates the horizontaloriented surface 296 of the leveling device 115 and the bottom side 304of the leveling device 115.

In the bicycle carrying configuration, the projection 117 is partiallytrapped within the elongate track 116 of the bicycle support bar 110.The projection 117 can be positioned within the elongate fastenable zone112. A fastener 140 can be configured to secure the projection 117 andleveling device 115 to the bicycle support bar 110. The fastener 140 canbe a bolt, screw, clamp, or any other suitable releasable securementmechanism. In at least one example, the bicycle carrier supportarrangement 100 includes a pair of fasteners 140.

The fastener 140 can be configured to be loosened allowing the bicyclesupport 110 to be repositioned. The bicycle support bar 110 can movelaterally with respect to the rearwardly facing frame member 120 and theprojection 117 can travel within the elongate track 116 and within theelongate fastenable zone 112. The fastener can be tightened to securethe bicycle support bar 110 in position. The projection 117 beingreceived in the elongate track 116 resists detachment of the bicyclesupport bar from the leveling device 115.

As may be appreciated in FIGS. 7 and 11 , the longitudinal axis of thebicycle support bar 110 can be oriented substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the rearwardly extending frame member 120.

FIG. 13 illustrates an underside view of a bicycle support 110 atop arearwardly extending frame member 120. Also visible, is an underside ofa bicycle wheel securement 152, which is configured to receive a bicyclewheel therein. As shown, bicycle support 110 can include an elongatetrack 116 which runs along the length of the support 110. The elongatetrack 116 can be configured to slide over a projection of a levelingdevice (not shown) on the opposite side of the frame member 120. Theleveling device can be held in place by one or more fasteners 140 whichrun through the frame member 120 and connect to the projection of theleveling device. Within the elongate track 116 can be at least oneresiliently biased stop 130. The resiliently biased stop 130 can beconfigured such it will pass over the projection in only one directionwhen the support 110 is slid over the projection along the elongatetrack 116 during installation of the support 110 onto the frame member120.

FIG. 14 illustrates the bicycle support arrangement can further includea leveling device 115 configured to receive the bicycle support bar 110when the bicycle support bar 110 is installed on the rearwardlyextending frame member 120. The leveling device 115 can be positionedbetween the rearwardly extending frame member 120 and the bicyclesupport bar 110. The leveling device 115 can operably communicate with aprojection 117 at least partially trapped within the elongate track 116of the bicycle support bar 110. The projection 117 can be configured tobe trapped within the elongate track 116 of the bicycle support bar 110by inserting the projection 117 through the slot-opening 118. Theleveling device can have a squaring arrangement 290. The squaringarrangement 290 can be configured to establish a bicycle support bar 110in a leveled orientation 298. The leveling device 115 can include anelongate trough 322 configured to cradle the bicycle support bar 110. Inat least on example, the elongate trough 322 can cause the levelingdevice 115 to take a substantially U-shaped.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 the leveling device 115 can be asquaring arrangement 290. The squaring arrangement 290 can be configuredto have a non-uniform thickness across the width of the bicycle supportbar (not shown). In at least on example, the squaring arrangement 290can be a leveling device 115. The non-uniform thickness of the levelingdevice 115 can be configured to reduce the angle of the bicycle supportbar caused by the inclination of the rearwardly extending frame member120 when in a bicycle carrying configuration. In at least one example,the leveling device 115 can have an elongate trough 322 creating asubstantially U-shaped upper surface configured to cradle bicyclesupport bar. In an alternative example, the leveling device 115 can havea substantially flat upper surface configured to receive bicycle supportbar 110. A top side 306 of the leveling device 115 can be configured toreceive the bicycle support bar 110. An opposite side 308 of theleveling device 115 can be configured to receive the rearwardlyextending frame member 120.

Fastener 140 can be configured to secure the projection 117 and levelingdevice 115 to the bicycle support bar (not shown). The fastener 140 canbe a bolt, screw, clamp, or any other suitable releasable securementmechanism. As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the bicycle carriersupport arrangement 100 can include a pair of fasteners 140.

The fastener 140 can be configured to be loosened allowing the bicyclesupport bar to be repositioned. The bicycle support bar can movelaterally with respect to the rearwardly facing frame member 120 and theprojection 117 can travel within the elongate track (not shown) andwithin the elongate fastenable zone (not shown). The fastener can betightened to secure the bicycle support bar in position. The projection117 being received in the elongate track resists detachment of thebicycle support bar from the leveling device 115.

As may be appreciated in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the longitudinal axis of theleveling device 115 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the rearwardly extending frame member 120.

FIG. 17 illustrates a partially disassembled view of a variablyconfigurable hub 222 and rearwardly extending frame member 120. Thevariably configurable hub 222 can include a setting device 231 andactuable locking member 236. The actuable locking member 236 can includea substantially straight insert pin 244 having opposite ends 246 thatare respectively positioned in one of a pair of oppositely orientatedsubstantially linear tracks 248. The substantially linear tracks 248 canbe substantially parallel to an actuation path of an actuable trigger238. The substantially straight insert pin 244 can be supported by a pincarriage 251 at a plurality of locations along a length of the insertpin 244. The setting device 231 can have a plurality of recesses 234 inwhich the actuable locking member 236 can be selectively engaged forestablishing respective orientations of the rearwardly extending framemember 120 relative to a stinger 208. The variably configurable hub 222can be operably coupled to the manual actuator 224 by a linkage 226 thatis at least partially housed within the frame member 120. As may beappreciated in FIG. 17 , the insert pin 244 can be received within oneof the plurality of recesses in the setting device 231 establishing thebicycle support arrangement in a bicycle carrying configuration.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate a partially disassembled view of a variablyconfigurable hub 222. The setting device 231 can have a plurality ofrecesses including a first recess 252, a second recess 254, and a thirdrecess 256. The setting device 231 can also include an actuable lockingmember 236 configured to transition an insert pin 244 between theplurality of recesses. The actuable locking member 236 can be operablycoupled to a pin carriage 251. The pin carriage 251 can be configured torotate about an axle 253 of the variably configurable hub 222 as the hub222 transitions between various configurations. The insert pin 244 canbe transitionable from one of the plurality of recesses to anotherthereby altering the configuration of the hitch-mount bicycle rack. Asshown in FIG. 17 , actuating the insert pin 244 into the first recess252 can establish a bicycle carrying configuration. Actuating the insertpin 244 into the second recess 254 can establish a bicycle loadingconfiguration. Actuating the insert pin 244 into the third recess 256can establish an empty configuration.

FIG. 19 illustrates a setting device 231 of a bicycle supportarrangement 100. The setting device 231 can include at least one recess232. The setting device 231 can also include a plurality of recesses234. The plurality of recesses 234 can be configured to receive aninsert pin 244 to place a rearwardly extending frame member 120 of thehitch-mount bicycle rack 200 of the bicycle support arrangement 100 invarious orientations. The plurality of recesses 234 can include a firstrecess 252 which is arranged so as to put the hitch-mount bicycle rack200 in a bicycle carrying (slightly upwardly tilted) configuration 264.The plurality of recesses 234 can also include a second recess 254 whichis arranged so as to put the hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 in a bicycleloading (downwardly tilted) configuration 262. The plurality of recesses234 can further include a third recess 256 which is arranged such thatthe hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 can be placed in an empty configuration158, in which the hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 is substantially verticaland at a substantially right angle with a stinger of bicycle supportarrangement 100. The securement pin 244 can be actuated by a manualactuator (not shown) coupled to the linkage 226. The action of themanual actuator can draw securement pin 244 out of and away from any oneof the plurality of recesses 234, allowing the pin 244 to move freelybetween each of one of the plurality of recesses 234, thereby enablingthe hitch-mount bicycle rack 200 to be selectively placed in the emptyconfiguration 258, the bicycle loading configuration 262 and the bicyclecarrying configuration 264. It will be understood that while notillustrated, additional recesses may be included in the setting device,thereby enabling additional orientations to be achieved.

FIGS. 21-22 illustrate a cutaway view of a setting device 231 incooperation with an actuable locking member 236. The actuable lockingmember 236 can be drawn in a direction away from the setting device 231as described above. The locking member 236 is located at an end 286 ofthe linkage 226 proximate to the setting device 231. The linkage 226 hasa distal end 230 which is connected to the add-on frame 126. At thedistal end 128 of the add-on frame there is located a manual actuator224. The manual actuator 224 includes an actuable trigger 238. Theactuable trigger 238 is in working cooperation with linkage 226 andactuable locking member 236. When actuable trigger 238 is pulled indirection 240, linkage 226 pulls pin 246 in the same direction 242 andalong the axis of the add-on frame 126.

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate the connective region between forward connectionblock 277 and rearward connection block 276 used to connect the add-onframe to the rearwardly extending support member. Specifically, alinkage extension 274 is connected to the linkage 226. The blocks 276,277 reside within sleeve 278 which is within the member 120 and add-onframe member 126. Tabs 279 are attached to the sleeve 278 by tab pins281 and tab fasteners 283. Blocks 277 and 276 can slide within thesleeve 278 during locking and unlocking of the insert pin 244 within therecesses 234 of the setting device 231. As illustrated in FIGS. 25-26the linkage 226 and the linkage extension 274 are coupled to one anotherby linking pin 241.

Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the presenttechnology have been set forth in the foregoing description, togetherwith details of the structure and function of the present disclosure,the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in thedetail, including in matters of shape, size and arrangement of the partswithin the principles of the present disclosure to the full extentindicated by the broad general meaning of the terms used in the attachedclaims. It will therefore be appreciated that the examples describedabove may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hitch-mount bicycle carrier, comprising: astinger configured to be inserted into a hitch receiver of a vehicle; acentral support beam coupled to the stinger by a variably configurablehub, wherein the central support beam has a central axis, wherein thecentral support beam is configured to be disposed in a plurality oforientations relative to the stinger, and wherein the central supportbeam supports one or more bicycles; a foot having a distal end disposeddistally from the central support beam; and a manual actuator disposedat a distal end of the central support beam, wherein the manual actuatorcomprises a trigger coupled to the variably configurable hub to disposethe central support beam in the plurality of orientations, and wherein avertical plane through the central axis intersects the trigger, andwherein a portion of the foot is disposed below the trigger when thecentral support beam is in a bicycle carrying position.
 2. Thehitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 1, wherein the foot is the lowestportion of the bicycle carrier when the central support beam is in adeclined position.
 3. The hitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 1,wherein the foot is configured to contact the ground when the centralsupport beam is in a declined position.
 4. The hitch-mount bicyclecarrier of claim 1, wherein the trigger is configured to translatelinearly in a direction of the central axis.
 5. The hitch-mount bicyclecarrier of claim 1, wherein the manual actuator comprises a handle,wherein the handle comprises a portion disposed distally to the trigger,and wherein the trigger is configured to translate relative to thehandle toward the portion of the handle that is disposed distally to thetrigger.
 6. The hitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 1, wherein thetrigger is configured to translate in a distal direction of the centralsupport beam.
 7. The hitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 1, wherein adistal end of the foot is a distal-most end of the bicycle carrier. 8.The hitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 1, wherein the foot is formedas part of the manual actuator.
 9. The hitch-mount bicycle earner ofclaim 1, wherein a portion of the manual actuator surrounds the triggeron at least three sides.
 10. The hitch-mount bicycle earner of claim 1,wherein a portion of the manual actuator surrounds the trigger on foursides.
 11. A hitch-mount bicycle carrier, comprising: a stingerconfigured to be inserted into a hitch receiver of a vehicle; a supportmember coupled to the stinger by a variably configurable hub disposed ata proximal end of the support member, wherein the support member isconfigured to be disposed in a bicycle carrying position relative to thevariably configurable hub and in a declined position relative to thevariably configurable hub; a foot having a distal end disposed distallyfrom the support member; a locking member configured to engage a settingdevice of the variably configurable hub to lock the support member inthe bicycle carrying position; one or more bicycle support bars coupledto the support member, each bicycle support bar extending transverse tothe support member and configured to accommodate a bicycle; and atrigger disposed at a distal end of the support member distal to thedistal-most bicycle support bar, the trigger configured to translatelinearly in a distal direction of the support member to disengage thelocking member from the setting device of the variably configurable hubto allow the support member to move from the bicycle carrying positionto the declined position, wherein a portion of the foot is disposedbelow the trigger when the support member is in the bicycle carryingposition.
 12. The hitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 11, wherein thefoot is the lowest portion of the bicycle carrier when the supportmember is in the declined position.
 13. The hitch-mount bicycle carrierof claim 11, wherein the foot is configured to contact the ground whenthe support member is in the declined position.
 14. The hitch-mountbicycle carrier of claim 11, wherein when the support member is in thebicycle carrying position, a portion of the foot is disposed below abottom surface of the support member.
 15. The hitch-mount bicyclecarrier of claim 11, wherein when the support member is in the bicyclecarrying position, a bottom portion of the foot is angled upwardlytoward the distal end of the foot.
 16. The hitch-mount bicycle carrierof claim 11, wherein a first bicycle support bar comprises a bicyclewheel securement to secure a wheel of a bicycle.
 17. The hitch-mountbicycle carrier of claim 11, wherein the distal end of the supportmember is configured to be coupled to an add-on support member.
 18. Thehitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 11, wherein the foot is configuredto contact the ground when an add-on support member is coupled to thesupport member and the support member is in the declined position. 19.The hitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 11, further comprising anadd-on support member configured to be coupled to the support member.20. The hitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 11, wherein the variablyconfigurable hub is disposed proximal to a proximal-most bicycle supportbar.
 21. The hitch-mount bicycle carrier of claim 11, wherein thesetting device comprises a plurality of recesses, and wherein thetrigger is configured to translate linearly in a distal direction of thesupport member to disengage an insert pin disposed in one of therecesses of the setting device.